help/critique which do you prefer?

[LewisCanon]

This is my first attempt at using lighting for portraits... self portraits... (testing on myself)

Thoughts criticisms and tips very welcome! Thanks In advance!!!!!

Which of these 2 do you prefer?




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Thoughts?




All of these are shot in my bedroom...... no backgrounds or anything fancy... some basic editing has been done to remove spots etc...

[Weird Girl]

Definitely need some fill light on the dark side of your face. A reflector would be great! I think you could use a brighter exposure overall. I like the posing as it's natural looking.

[LewisCanon]

in this instance i was kind of going for the dramatic look..... i have a reflector and another light and stuff... but starting with this and working my way up.... im an events photographer so this is all new to me... new toys! new possibilities!

[amungus]

For the first set of pictures, I personally prefer the second one because part of your face is somewhat hidden in the dark and your hand is covering up your face more... which kind of gives the photo an elusive and mysterious look as to who you are. I really dig that concept in photography; dark, puzzling, and mysterious people/settings. It also does look pretty dramatic, I think you've got that part down. Nice job!

[ShannonSky]

Originally Posted by amungus

For the first set of pictures, I personally prefer the second one because part of your face is somewhat hidden in the dark and your hand is covering up your face more... which kind of gives the photo an elusive and mysterious look as to who you are. I really dig that concept in photography; dark, puzzling, and mysterious people/settings. It also does look pretty dramatic, I think you've got that part down. Nice job!

Eh, I disagree. I really don't like that I can't see your face, and I think no. 2 especially is so dark I'm having a tough time making out details. But, obviously that's all personal preference.

[graciousness]

Before anything else, you need to know the critique forum rules and that there is only an allowance of one photo per critique section per day. You do have four here and as you are looking for comparison advice, this is best put in the comparison critique section (I believe you are allowed 2 photos there).

I agree with Andy on this one. All those shots are underexposed and whilst I understand that you may be possibly looking for a more dramatic effect with the use of shadows, etc, the light where it falls is just not enough in these photos.

At best, I like 2 and 3 if I were to choose but these are still a bit underexposed. More details on the light side of the face would be better and would also give you more pop. These are portraits and it would be nice to see your face where you want to be seen.

1 and 2 do not work for me at all because those monitors are brighter than your face and is taking away the focus off the main subject, being you. Even the phone is brighter on the first photo than you

I do think you are on the right track with your ideas and just needs tweeking on the lighting side. Good attempt, though, and just bring up those lighting a little bit more then I think you've got it.

Next time post one photo with exif photos here so that people can give better advice with more info given.

Cheers and keep posting!

Grace

[LewisCanon]

oh sorry! i thought it was the same as the sys section my bad!

Ok thanks for the advice guys! like i said was a first attempt at using lighting so will keep at it!!!